The rapid expansion of global trade and travel has increased the introduction of non-native pathogens. Climate change also influences pathogens directly and indirectly. Sudden Oak Death, caused by the oomycete Phytophthora ramorum, is provided as an example. Accurately identifying pathogen species and populations is critical for risk assessment and disease management, but this presents challenges. There is also limited understanding of global pathogen diversity and limited cooperation on knowledge sharing. The Phytophthora Database was created to address these issues through genetic characterization of isolates and providing analysis tools.